Updated details on the story of the 20-year-old, Ashanti Downey, who was doused and set on fire by Jani Griffin.
Deputies told CBS 17 that Ashanti and the suspect, Griffin, were living together at the time of the incident.
CBS 17 had also reported initially they were looking for three suspects. Following the incident on December 16th, authorities arrested 23-year-old Griffin on December 26th.
Deputies believe Griffin acted alone, and the two other people who were reported as accomplices were actually witnesses, but this hasn’t been confirmed by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, as the investigation is ongoing for more details involving this matter.
The NC Beat also reports that Griffin was not only Ashanti’s boyfriend but the father of her sister’s child.
After the suspect’s capture, The NC Beat published his story. Kiana McIntyre, in a now-deleted comment, addressed the victim’s mother involving the suspect.
The message reads:
“Donecia Davis, isn’t he your other daughter’s baby’s dad?”
The victim’s mother confirmed that Griffin is the father of her other daughter’s child.
Downey sustained second- and third-degree burns from the incident and was taken to a nearby hospital for recovery.
She is presently in critical yet stable condition. A GoFundMe page is set up for the victim. As of 4:28pm EST, $96,400 was raised to cover her medical expenses.
Griffin faces charges of felony attempted first degree murder, felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill resulting in serious injury, and misdemeanor assault on a female.
Before the incident, Griffin was charged multiple times this year, including for communicating threats on November 6th and December 4th.
He is currently held in police custody without the option for bail. His upcoming court appearance is scheduled for December 30th.
